JOURNEY 250: AN AMERICAN STORY A Semiquincentennial Celebration for K-12 Students
Campaign Implementation
With more than 51 million public K-12 students, education serves as a tool for instilling American pride and patriotism in today’s youth. The Journey 250 campaign stands out by actively involving school board officials to develop a comprehensive roadmap that chronicles American history from its origins to the present day. This roadmap emphasizes the challenges and sacrifices made in the pursuit of our fundamental freedoms.
The initiative encourages school board officials to set aside additional funds to launch grade-level celebratory learning programs for K-12 students. These programs will ensure students learn about the Constitution, understand the value of freedom, and take pride in being an American.
School board officials shape district priorities, funding, policies, and set precedents. Through the Journey 250 campaign, intent is to first educate school boards about the upcoming 250th anniversary of the nation and challenge them to utilize their authority effectively. We encourage them to collaborate with district leaders to organize a year’s worth of activities, such as workshops, themed days, parades, community events, classroom assignments, and partnerships with community leaders and volunteers. These initiatives will promote an appreciation for our country and represent how fortunate we are to be Americans among K-12 students.
Model Resolution
The National School Boards Coalition presents this model resolution to empower school boards to promote American pride and patriotism in today’s youth. This resolution is a resource for school board members, partners, or community members to give to school board officials for consideration of bringing the resolution forward.
RESOLUTION [INSERT NUMBER]
A RESOLUTION OF THE [INSERT NAME OF SCHOOL BOARD] TO CELEBRATE AMERICA’S 250-YEAR SEMIQUINCENTENNIAL
WHEREAS, the United States of America will commemorate its 250th anniversary on July 4, 2026, marking a historic milestone in the nation’s history; and
WHEREAS, on July 4, 1776, the Second Continental Congress formally adopted the Declaration of Independence, asserting the American colonies’ freedom from British rule and laying the foundation for the principles of the nation’s independence and self-governance; and
WHEREAS, by understanding historical texts, students gain valuable insights that will enable them to be informed and active members of their communities; and
WHEREAS, sharing our American journey will plant the seeds of patriotism and pride in a generation of youth who seem to be losing sight of America’s exceptionalism through its struggles and triumphs; and
WHEREAS, to understand the sacrifices and struggles of the generations before them, in celebration of the Semiquincentennial, the [INSERT NAME OF SCHOOL DISTRICT] will teach freedom is not free and honor our active and fallen heroes by learning from veterans and their stories of heroism; and
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the [INSERT NAME OF SCHOOL BOARD] is dedicated to celebrating the 250th anniversary of the greatest nation on earth by teaching the principles of America’s exceptionalism, which are based on liberty, self-governance, and natural law. These principles, outlined in the foundational documents of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, are a cornerstone for students to understand our civil society and the principles of the rule of law; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the [INSERT NAME OF SCHOOL BOARD] encourages the superintendent, educators, staff, parents, and students of [INSERT NAME OF SCHOOL DISTRICT] to actively create commemorations to reflect on their journey during the 250th celebration; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the [NAME OF THE SCHOOL BOARD] commits to allocating funding for age-appropriate patriotic education across all grade levels. This includes developing curriculum, civic activities, events, and student-led commemorations. The superintendent will also establish a minimum duration for students to actively participate in lessons and events in conjunction with the 250th anniversary of the United States; and
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, the [INSERT THE NAME OF THE SCHOOL BOARD] invites the community to join us in celebrating and reflecting on our nation’s incredible history. By honoring the exceptional qualities passed down through generations, we can ignite a sense of unity and resilience in our youth. By upholding and emphasizing the principles of liberty, justice, and self-governance, our nation will remain a beacon for the world and endure for generations. ADOPTED by the [INSERT NAME OF THE SCHOOL BOARD] on this [NUMBER] day of [MONTH] in the Year of Two Thousand and Twenty-Five.
Board Chairman/President [INSERT NAME] Signature
Board Vice Chairman/President [INSERT NAME] Signature
Board Member, [INSERT NAME] Signature
Board Member, [INSERT NAME] Signature
Board Member, [INSERT NAME] Signature
Superintendent, [INSERT NAME] Signature
Take the lead in promoting a strong sense of patriotism in your students.
Why Now?
We won’t have another moment like the 250th semiquincentennial to celebrate pride in our American heritage in our lifetime. Schools mark days like Earth Day, the 100th Day of School, and Valentine’s Day, yet they often miss the chance to spotlight the principles that shaped our nation.
With only 41% of Gen Z expressing pride in being American, that gap matters. This milestone is a chance to unite and help ensure the next generation understands and treasures our shared heritage.
We invite school boards nationwide to honor this pivotal moment in our nation’s story. If you have questions or need assistance with passing this resolution, email Connect@SchoolBoardsCoalition.org.
